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Kirkland rezones former Houghton Park & Ride and five Finn Hill parcels to park/open space; council approves ordinance 7‑0
Summary
The City of Kirkland adopted Ordinance 04903 on May 6 to rezone the former Houghton Park & Ride and five Finn Hill parcels from low‑density residential to park and open space; the council vote was unanimous (7‑0). The Houghton site remains available for other proposals while parks planning continues for the Finn Hill parcels.
The Kirkland City Council on May 6 unanimously adopted Ordinance 04903 to rezone the former Houghton Park & Ride site and five recently acquired Finn Hill parcels to the park and open space (POS) zone.
Nut graf: The council changed the underlying zoning to reflect the city’s ownership and intended public use. The Houghton site was acquired in 2023 and currently serves as a temporary park; the Finn Hill parcels will be consolidated with Juanita Heights Park for future park planning.
Council action and what it changes: Senior planner Lindsey Levin told the council the Houghton property had its land‑use designation amended previously to transit‑oriented development to allow flexibility pending future decisions. The council adopted a zoning map amendment to POS to align zoning with the city’s ownership and park use. Councilmember Falcone moved the ordinance; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote, 7‑0.
Houghton and future projects: Staff noted that the northern portion of the Houghton property could be rezoned again later if easements are cleared or if a different use is authorized; Councilors are continuing separate discussions on an iceplex proposal being evaluated by the city.
Finn Hill parcels and Juanita Heights Park: The five forested parcels near Juanita Heights Park will be added to the park reserve. Staff said the city does not have an active development plan for the property but that community interest is focused on trail connections linking Juanita Heights Park to adjacent streets and parkland.
Ending: The adopted ordinance updates the zoning map to park and open space; staff said future park planning and any further land‑use changes would come back to the council for review.
